Kabir, known for his intense and dark roles, has captivated audiences with his performance in Marco. In an exclusive conversation with Moneycontrol.com, he shared insights into his journey, challenges, and future plans.
Choosing a Dark Role Like Marco
When asked about his decision to take on such a dark and intense character, Kabir explained,
“See, action and action in Manita, then I had the film Manali, so I needed it. It was challenging for me. It helped me in filmmaking. You know, action was on top.”
He further elaborated on how the character pushed his boundaries,
“This was pretty challenging for me, and I will say that playing this character— a serial killer— was something very different. I researched real-life cases, watched crime documentaries, and studied criminal psychology to get into the mindset. It was a pan-India film, and I wanted to deliver my best.”
On Gaining Recognition for His Role
Kabir acknowledged the fame he gained through Marco and shared how it felt to finally receive recognition.
“I’m very, very happy. My family is very happy for me. Every day, people talk about me, and it feels surreal. You know, it’s like my craft is finally being polished and recognized. The character of Marco was very different from anything I had done before.”
He credited his director and mentors for this opportunity,
“I’m very thankful to my director, Honey Sir, and Sharif Bhai. They believed in me and gave me this film. I owe them a lot.”
Umbilical cord cutting scene
When asked about the toughest scene he did in the Marco, the actor said, "I got married recently and the umbilical cord cutting scene is so brutal in the film that I was disturbed after shooting."
The Initial Struggles in the Industry
Kabir’s journey wasn’t easy. Coming from a non-film background, he faced numerous challenges in his early years.
“I graduated from university, and I was a very good cricket player. But opportunities were limited, and I didn’t know how to break into the industry. I was not financially strong, so sustaining myself was difficult. I started building my portfolio, but it was tough. There were times when I had no money, no contacts, and nowhere to go.”
He narrated an incident where he was scammed,
“Once, I was tricked into a modeling fraud. They took my pictures and money, but nothing happened. That was a tough phase.”
Despite these setbacks, he continued working on himself.
“I started shooting my own YouTube videos, working on my looks, and networking. A photographer helped me get good portfolio pictures, and slowly, I started getting small projects.”
Landing His First Break
Kabir’s persistence finally paid off when he moved to Bombay for auditions.
“I gave my first audition in Bombay in 2011. I had no experience, but I was confident. I always admired characters like the Joker from The Dark Knight. I was drawn to dark, intense roles, and that’s what I focused on.”
His interest in South cinema also played a role in shaping his career.
“I always wanted to do South Indian movies. The kind of storytelling, the intensity, and the raw action scenes fascinated me. My first breakthrough was in a Tamil film, and from there, things started moving forward.”
The Transformation for Marco
Kabir’s transformation into Marco was not just physical but also psychological.
“It was a very dark and intense role. I had to mentally prepare myself. After shooting, I would meditate to detach from the character. The climax scene, especially, was very disturbing. My family was shocked to see me in such a negative role.”
He further revealed,
“After wrapping up the film, I visited temples for peace. I needed to disconnect from the character completely.”
Bonding with Co-stars and Fans
Kabir also spoke about his co-stars and the love he received from fans.
“Malayalam cinema has been very welcoming. People in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and even Andhra Pradesh have appreciated my work. Once, at an airport in Calicut, fans recognized me and rushed to hug me. It was an overwhelming experience.”
He also mentioned working with a superstar,
“Unni is a very down-to-earth person. Despite his fame, he remains humble and treats everyone with respect.”
Future Plans: Bollywood & Beyond
Kabir has big plans for his future.
“I am a big fan of Indian cinema. Though I have done a lot of South films, I want to work in Bollywood too. I am looking for a big project, something that challenges me as an actor.”
He is currently working on an OTT project where he plays a police officer.
“I have completed an OTT project where I play a cop. It’s an intense role, very different from Marco. I am also in talks with a major Telugu film production. I want to explore all industries—Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi.”
Final Words
Kabir ended the interview on a grateful note,
“I just want to keep working hard and delivering my best performances. The audience’s love and support mean everything to me.”
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